General Information. The College of Graduate and Professional Programs

Transcription

1 JMU - General Information CGOP Main Page Graduate Catalog Home General Information - Admission - Admission Chart - General Regulations - Fees and Expenses - Financial Assistance - University Services - JMU Libraries - Center for Assessment and Research Accounting Adult Education/Human Resource Development Art & Art History Assessment and Measurement Doctoral Program Biology Business Administration Combined-Integrated Doctoral Program Communication Sciences & Disorders Computer Science Education English Health Sciences History Integrated Science and Technology Kinesiology and Recreation Studies Music Nursing Occupational Therapy General Information James Madison University Founded in 1908 and located in the center of Virginia s famous Shenandoah Valley, James Madison University is a public, comprehensive university. The university offers programs at the bachelor s, master s, educational specialist and doctoral levels. The total enrollment for fall 2003 session was 16,203. This total included 14,991 undergraduate students, 808 graduate students and 384 non-degree seeking students. JMU has 91 major campus buildings, including a 31-acre, off-campus farm. Nearly $143 million worth of new facilities and improvements have been added since JMU offers students a full program of extracurricular and social programs, as well as a diversified program of intercollegiate and intramural athletics. Location JMU is located in Harrisonburg, Va., a progressive city of over 40,000. The area is flanked by the Blue Ridge Mountains on the east and the Allegheny Mountains on the west. The JMU campus is located just off Interstate 81 and is a two-hour drive from Washington, D.C. and Richmond, Va. and one hour from Charlottesville, Va. The College of Graduate and Professional Programs is located in the Grace Street House on West Grace Street. History In its 96-year history, JMU has grown from a state normal and industrial school for women to today s coeducational comprehensive university. In 1914, the name of the university was changed to the State Normal School for Women at Harrisonburg. The university became the State Teachers College at Harrisonburg in 1924 and continued under that name until 1938, when it was named Madison College in honor of the fourth president of the United States. In 1977, the name was changed to James Madison University. The College of Graduate and Professional Programs The JMU Graduate School was established in 1954, when the State Board of Education authorized the university to offer programs leading to the Master of Science in Education degree. In October 2001, the Graduate School and the Office of Continuing Education joined to form the College of Graduate and Professional Programs. The College of Graduate and Professional Programs is authorized to offer graduate programs leading to master s degrees, Educational Specialist degrees, Doctor of Philosophy degrees and Doctor of Psychology degrees. Mission The mission of the College of Graduate and Professional Programs is to: Facilitate the development, growth and maintenance of graduate programs of distinction. Facilitate the development, growth and maintenance of high quality continuing professional development programs for non-degree seeking students. Establish, implement and maintain a high standard of excellence in graduate and professional programs at JMU. Serve the needs of the Commonwealth of Virginia, and those of national and regional graduate and non-degree seeking students. Support the continuation and development of diverse, innovative graduate and professional programs by building on existing graduate and undergraduate strengths. Encourage and facilitate students in their development of strengths in critical and creative thinking, communication, and applied skills. (1 of 2) [7/16/2008 1:09:42 PM]

2 JMU - General Information Physican Assistant Psychology Graduate Programs Public Administration Public Health Special Education Technical and Scientific Communication The mission of the College of Graduate and Professional Programs is in concert with the overall mission of the university, which states, We are committed to preparing students to be educated and enlightened citizens who will lead productive and meaningful lives. Administration of the College of Graduate and Professional Programs The office of the dean of the College of Graduate and Professional Programs has academic responsibility for all issues of graduate education at JMU. In addition, the college oversees all continuing professional development programming. Significant in the organization and administration of the College of Graduate and Professional Programs are the university s Graduate Council and the graduate faculty body. The Graduate Council To accomplish the goals and objectives of the college, the Graduate Council, under the leadership of the dean of the College of Graduate and Professional Programs, develops broad policies and procedures. Policies and procedures needing Graduate Council approval are: Graduate admission policies and procedures. General academic standards of graduate study. Research standards for graduate students and graduate faculty. General procedures for the evaluation of graduate students. Addition of new graduate programs. Deletion of existing graduate programs. Addition or deletion of graduate courses. Establishment of appointment standards for graduate faculty. Appointment of graduate faculty. Graduate Council Membership Dean of the College of Graduate and Professional Programs, Chair Coordinator of each graduate program (or representative) Two graduate student representatives Representative from the JMU library system Representative from the division of Academic Affairs Graduate Faculty Appointments The graduate faculty hold a position of honor at JMU. Graduate faculty membership is reviewed every six years. Through the Graduate Council, the graduate faculty members assist the dean in developing general policies and administrative procedures for graduate programs. The office of the dean of the College of Graduate and Professional Programs, assisted by the Graduate Council and the graduate faculty, has responsibility for final approval of graduate degrees to be awarded. PUBLISHER: CGOP, MSC 6702, Harrisonburg, VA PHONE: (540) FAX: (540) FOR INFORMATION CONTACT: CGOP - Privacy Statement Last Modified: 11/12/ (2 of 2) [7/16/2008 1:09:42 PM]

3 JMU - General Regulations CGOP Main Page Graduate Catalog Home General Information - Admission - Admission Chart - General Regulations - Fees and Expenses - Financial Assistance - University Services - JMU Libraries - Center for Assessment and Research Accounting Adult Education/Human Resource Development Art & Art History Assessment and Measurement Doctoral Program Biology Business Administration Combined-Integrated Doctoral Program Communication Sciences & Disorders Computer Science Education English Health Sciences General Regulations Upon enrollment, graduate students accept responsibility to remain current on policies and regulations set forth by their programs of study and the College of Graduate and Professional Programs. Current regulations and policies are updated annually and published in the Graduate Catalog. Further explanations and clarification are readily available from the College of Graduate and Professional Programs Web site at Advising Changes to Policies and Programs of the College of Graduate and Professional Programs Comprehensive Examinations Continuous Enrollment Course Completion Deadlines Course Credits Course Levels Dissertation and Thesis Research Doctoral Candidacy Request General Appeal Process Grade Appeal Procedures Grading System Graduation Honor System Off-Campus Courses Office of the Registrar Teaching Licenses Thesis Requirements University Residency Requirements Withdrawal Confidentiality of Education Records History Integrated Science and Technology Kinesiology and Recreation Studies Music Nursing Occupational Therapy Advising Faculty Advisers All students admitted into to the College of Graduate and Professional Programs are assigned faculty advisers. Graduate program coordinators/directors or designated members of the graduate faculty serve as faculty advisers. After admission, students must meet with their advisers to select initial course work and plan their programs of study. Students should consult with their faculty adviser(s) to plan programs of study prior to initial registration. Advisers are also available to oversee subsequent changes in the (1 of 14) [7/16/2008 1:13:04 PM]

4 JMU - General Regulations Physican Assistant Psychology Graduate Programs Public Administration Public Health Special Education Technical and Scientific Communication student s program of study and to conduct the final examination and other phases of the specific requirements for the graduate degree. Changes to Policies and Programs of the College of Graduate and Professional Programs The graduate degree requirements found in this catalog set the minimum standards acceptable by the JMU College of Graduate and Professional Programs. The university endeavors to provide note of any change, through the advising process, or through other means of communications; however, it is the responsibility of each individual student to become and remain aware of all applicable requirements and provisions that may apply to the student. It is the prerogative of each academic unit to make changes in programs at any time prior to graduation. It is common practice, however, for students to complete the program requirements as described in the catalog for the year in which they entered their program. Students should inquire as to the specific policy of their graduate program. Exceptions to Regulations Exceptions to any of the published rules and regulations cited within the Graduate Catalog may be requested by petition to the dean of the College of Graduate and Professional Programs. Such petitions must be initiated by the graduate student with the written approval of the student s adviser or graduate coordinator and must mention the regulation and justify completely the exception being requested. Comprehensive Examinations A formal assessment of mastery, a comprehensive written and/or oral exam, designed to appraise the student s competence is required of each JMU student in order to complete his or her program of graduate study. The format and timing of this assessment is at the discretion of the graduate program, provided it fairly and adequately documents the knowledge and skills the student has acquired. The content of the comprehensive exam should accurately reflect the content of the student s academic program. The exam should require the integration and synthesis of what has been learned by the student. The student must demonstrate a breadth of knowledge in the discipline and depth in specific content areas to be determined by the graduate program faculty. A comprehensive examination involving a major/minor program cannot be taken until at least six credit hours in the minor program have been completed; approximately a third of the comprehensive examination will be devoted to the minor field. Students will be notified, in writing, of success or failure of the comprehensive examination by their major program or academic unit adviser. Comprehensive Examination Committees Each graduate program must have a comprehensive examination committee for the program and/or for the individual student. Individual student comprehensive committees are selected by the student in consultation with the graduate program coordinator and/or program adviser. Each comprehensive exam committee must consist of at least three JMU graduate faculty members with the background and interest necessary to evaluate the mastery of the student. At least two members must be from the student s graduate program. Non-graduate faculty members of the comprehensive exam committee, which may include persons external to the university, must be approved by the dean of the College of Graduate and Professional Programs. Such members shall make up no more than one-third of the total committee membership. Graduate instructors may also be appointed to committees with the approval of the dean of the College of Graduate and Professional Programs, but only when their expertise clearly qualifies them; however, their appointment must be in addition to the required number of graduate faculty members. Graduate students may not serve on the comprehensive examination committees. Only a graduate faculty member from the student s graduate program may chair a comprehensive examination committee. Comprehensive Examination Failure In the event a student fails the comprehensive examination, the student may request a reexamination. Unless there are extenuating circumstances, the re-examination must occur within six months of the date of failure. Only one re-examination will be allowed. Cases involving extenuating (2 of 14) [7/16/2008 1:13:04 PM]

5 JMU - General Regulations circumstances must be raised or supported by the graduate program faculty and presented in writing to the dean of the relevant college for approval. If a student fails the second comprehensive examination, his or her graduate program will be terminated. Comprehensive Examination Continuance Students completing all degree requirements except the comprehensive examination are required to enroll each semester until they have passed the comprehensive examination. Students must register for comprehensive continuance credit hours during those semesters in which they are engaged in preparation for the comprehensive examination. NOTE: The continuous enrollment course GRAD 597 cannot be used as a comprehensive continence course. Credit hours for comprehensive continuance do not count toward graduate program requirements. Continuous Enrollment All students enrolled in graduate degree programs must enroll each regular semester for a minimum of one graduate credit hour. This registration must continue with no breaks from enrollment in the first graduate program course to graduation. This policy does not include summer sessions. It is preferable that students enroll in courses relevant to their graduate program to facilitate timely completion. If it is not possible to do so, however, the College of Graduate and Professional Programs has established a one-credit continuous enrollment course, GRAD 597. The tuition for this course is $ No grade will be assigned for this course. GRAD 597. Continuance. 1 credit. To remain in good standing in their program, all graduate students must maintain continuous enrollment each semester in their program from entry until graduation. This course allows those students who are not intending to register for any other courses during the current semester to continue in their program in good standing. Course may be repeated as needed. It is possible to receive an exemption from the Continuous Enrollment requirement. There are two possible types of exemption from the continuous enrollment requirement: Leave of Absence: Continuous Enrollment is granted in individual cases when the student demonstrates sufficient cause (e.g. illness, or other personal circumstances). A request for this type of leave must be submitted by the student in writing (electronic mail is sufficient), indicating the reason(s). The student s request must be approved by the graduate coordinator of the student s program and the dean of the College of Graduate and Professional Programs. Leave of Absence: Continuous Enrollment is granted for a specified time period that may not exceed three semesters total, excluding summer session. In no case, may on-leave status exceed this maximum throughout the student s entire degree program. When students on leave plan to resume graduate study, the Intent to Resume Graduate Study form must be received by the College of Graduate and Professional Programs at least 15 working days prior to the first class day of the return semester. Planned Leave of Absence is granted to students for whom the unique design of their graduate program (not the manner in which they choose to complete their program) is such that the offering of courses is not on a continuous semester-to-semester basis. Planned Leave of Absence for students in a program is requested by the program faculty and must be approved by the Dean of the College of Graduate and Professional Programs. Examples of programs suited for Planned Leave of Absence includes summer-only programs, program using a distance learning format, and executive programs. It is assumed that these programs will not require the continuous enrollment exemption for the entire length of the program. Thus, students whose graduate programs are pre-approved for Planned Leave of Absence must submit a Request for Planned Leave of Absence indicating each term for which leave is requested. It is also assumed that these students will complete all degree requirements within the time limits established in the Graduate Catalog. Both leaves must be approved by the dean of the College of Graduate and Professional Programs. A graduate student who takes an unapproved break in registration by failing to maintain continuous enrollment or by failing to obtain a Leave of Absence: Continuous Enrollment will relinquish his or her graduate standing in the university. Students who wish to be reinstated will be required to file an Application for Graduate Admission and pay the admission fee. The following are circumstances for which GRAD 597 is not appropriate: During the graduation semester. A student cannot use GRAD 597 as the enrollment requirement during the semester he or she is scheduled to graduate. All graduate students must be enrolled in a course in their program, such as thesis or dissertation continuance, during the semester they are scheduled to graduate. (3 of 14) [7/16/2008 1:13:04 PM]

6 JMU - General Regulations While completing a dissertation or thesis. If a student s graduation must be delayed a semester while he or she is completing a dissertation or thesis, he or she should register for thesis or dissertation continuance. GRAD 597 is not an option since the student will continue to receive feedback from the adviser and committee members while the thesis or dissertation is being completed. When an I is received in a course during the anticipated graduation semester. If a student is scheduled to graduate but receives an I in a course, the student will not officially graduate until the course is completed. Because all course work must be completed by the final date of the student s graduation semester, a student failing to meet the deadline will not officially graduate until the following semester. The solution existing in the first example applies. Students must register for at least one hour of thesis or dissertation continuance, comprehensive continuance, reading and research, or other course option appropriate to their program of study. Except for extenuating circumstances requiring approval from the Dean of the College of Graduate and Professional Programs, time spent in on-leave status will be included in all time limits pertaining to the student s degree program. Students in on-leave status may not: use any university facilities, make demands upon faculty time, receive a fellowship or financial aid, or take course work of any kind at JMU. Course Completion Deadlines All course work must be completed by the final date of the student s final semester. Students failing to meet the deadline will have their names removed from the current graduation list and their degrees dated the following semester. Consult the calendar online at or in this catalog for exact dates. Course Credits Academic Loads Status Credit Hours Full time 9 or more Three-quarter time 6 Half time 5 Less than half time 4 or less The classification of students, i.e. full time, etc. in graduate programs is often considered in determining payment deferment on undergraduate student loans, eligibility for insurance benefits, etc. The following academic load guidelines apply to all categories of graduate assistants. All categories of graduate assistants must carry nine graduate credit hours each semester in order to receive their stipend and tuition support. All categories of graduate assistants must pay for any additional credit hours above those paid for by their assistantships. No graduate assistant may take fewer than the required credit hours without prior written approval from the dean of the College of Graduate and Professional Programs. The Underload Request Form can be obtained from the College of Graduate and Professional Programs Web site at or from the CGOP office. This underload of classes is permitted only once during a student s graduate career and can be for no less than 6 credit hours. Graduate assistantship tuition funds do not cover any undergraduate course work. For their courses to be covered by their assistantship, all graduate assistants must enroll each semester during the regular registration period(s) and prior to the tuition refund date as outlined in the Registration and Student Record Services Handbook and online at (4 of 14) [7/16/2008 1:13:04 PM]

7 JMU - General Regulations registrar. Students who register for any additional courses after this time period will be held personally responsible for additional tuition and fees. Students who drop courses after the tuition refund date will be personally responsible for fees and will receive a grade of W for the course. Exceptions may be made only for documented extenuating circumstances and will be handled on a case-by-case basis by the dean of the College of Graduate and Professional Programs. Students must contact the JMU Ombudsperson, Huffman Hall A101 if all courses are dropped to withdraw from the university. Transfer Credit Students who wish to receive graduate credit for courses taken prior to entering a JMU graduate program must submit requests to their adviser during the first semester of enrollment. The Transfer of Credit form is available online at or from the College of Graduate and Professional Programs office. A grade of B or better must be earned in courses requested for transfer credit. Courses taken for pass/fail or satisfactory/unsatisfactory grades will not be accepted for transfer graduate credit. An official transcript showing the credits approved for transfer must be forwarded to the College of Graduate and Professional Programs. Under no circumstances will more than one-third of the total graduate credits required for completion of a program be considered for transfer/inclusion in the student s program of study. This includes any hours taken at JMU prior to acceptance. In the case of variable credit programs, the one-third maximum transfer hours allowed will be calculated based on the minimum number of hours required for the degree. Students may not transfer in more than 9 credit hours from institutions other than JMU. Transfer credit applications must be approved by the major adviser, minor adviser (if applicable), major academic unit head, and the dean of the College of Graduate and Professional Programs. Exceptions to the policy may be considered on a case-by-case basis. It is the student s responsibility to furnish evidence that any course presented for transfer of credit is applicable to a comparable degree at the accredited institution where the course was taken. If the necessary information is not on the official transcript, it must be obtained in writing from the appropriate dean of the institution where the course work was earned. In all cases, courses considered for transfer of credit must be applicable to a comparable degree at JMU. Courses that are not intended by the institution offering them to be part of a degree program, such as extension and in-service courses, are not acceptable for transfer to JMU. Credits earned to complete a previous graduate degree may not be applied to a second graduate program at JMU at the same degree level. However, previously earned graduate credit earned as a part of a master s degree program from an accredited institution may be counted toward the degree requirements of a higher level degree, such as the Master of Fine Arts, Educational Specialist and doctoral degrees. Academic work, including transfer credit, taken more than six years before the master s degree award date or eight years before the doctoral degree award date may not be used to satisfy the degree requirements. No transfer credit will be approved while a student is in provisional status. Students must familiarize themselves with their specific program requirements as discussed in the academic sections of this catalog. Individual programs will have detailed information relative to the acceptance of credit hours toward their degrees. Course Levels Course Numbering System Courses numbered 500 through 900 are graduate courses and may be applied to a graduate program. Post-baccalaureate/post-master s students may enroll in 600- or 700-level courses with prior written approval from the instructor. Some programs use dual-numbered courses that allow both graduate and undergraduate students. For example, such courses may offer content concurrently on the 400 and 500 levels. In such instances, higher quality and/or additional work must be required of the students enrolled at the graduate level in these courses. The additional demands required of graduate students in these dualnumbered courses must be evident in the course syllabus and catalog description. Course Level Requirements All credits contained in the student s program leading to an advanced degree at JMU must be in courses designated for graduate students. At least half of the courses must be numbered 600 or (5 of 14) [7/16/2008 1:13:04 PM]

8 JMU - General Regulations above. Where the program has a minor, at least six of these 600-level credits must be in the minor. Students should refer to their academic program for specific requirements. Only six hours of 501 workshop courses may be applied to a graduate degree program. Dissertation and Thesis Research A dissertation is required of all candidates for the Doctor of Psychology and Doctor of Philosophy degrees. A thesis is required in several master s and Ed.S. programs. In other master s degree programs, a research project and the writing of a thesis is an option which may be elected by the student in consultation with his or her adviser. Graduate students are required to register for the minimum hours of thesis or dissertation credit required in their major fields. Students must register for thesis or dissertation credit hours during those semesters in which they are engaged in the research or in the writing of the thesis or dissertation. NOTE: The continuous enrollment course GRAD 597 cannot be used as a thesis or dissertation continence course. Thesis and Dissertation Requirements The general requirements for the preparation of a thesis or dissertation pertain primarily to formatting considerations. The purpose of the requirements is to provide a degree of uniformity and to assure that each thesis or dissertation is in a form suitable for binding, is fully legible and can be preserved. Students who submit a thesis or dissertation in partial fulfillment of the requirement for a graduate degree at JMU are responsible for following these guidelines. Students should identify a graduate faculty member from their program to act as the chair of their dissertation or thesis committee. With the guidance of the committee chairperson, students should choose the remaining committee members from the graduate faculty. With the guidance of the student s dissertation or thesis committee chair and/or committee, the students will choose a subject area and prepare a thesis or dissertation proposal. Initial approval of thesis or dissertation proposals should be obtained from the thesis or dissertation committees as early as possible in the research program. This will be evidenced by written approvals on the student s program of study by the thesis or dissertation chairs and the academic unit head. It is the responsibility of the student s thesis or dissertation committee to judge the acceptability of the thesis or dissertation from all standpoints, including mechanical considerations and technical and professional competency. Committee members attest to acceptability from all standpoints when they sign the approval page. Students are strongly urged to consult with the College of Graduate and Professional Programs prior to the final reproduction. Guidelines for the technical preparation of a thesis or dissertation are outlined in the JMU College of Graduate and Professional Programs Thesis and Dissertation Manual, which is available online from This online manual sets forth minimal university guidelines including instructions for Microsoft Word which can be used in the preparation of the thesis or dissertation. More specific style considerations should be obtained from style manuals standard in the student s discipline. When a preference for specific style guides is not set by the academic unit or discipline, students should consult a standard thesis or dissertation manual. Whichever manual students select should be followed consistently except where instructions conflict with those in the online JMU College of Graduate and Professional Programs Thesis and Dissertation Manual. Titles of dissertations will be printed in the graduation program if the information is received by the appropriate deadline. In addition, two copies of each student s thesis or dissertation will be cataloged in Carrier Library. Thesis and Dissertation Committees Students pursuing degrees requiring completion of a thesis or dissertation must have a thesis or dissertation committee to oversee progress toward the degree. Each committee must consist of at least three approved members of the JMU graduate faculty with the background and interest necessary to counsel, direct and evaluate the proposed research and progress. At least two members must be from the student s graduate program. Only a graduate faculty member may chair a thesis or dissertation committee. It is preferable that a member of the student s graduate program chair the dissertation or thesis committee. (6 of 14) [7/16/2008 1:13:04 PM]

9 JMU - General Regulations Non-graduate faculty members of dissertation or thesis committee, which may include persons external to the university, must be approved by the dean of the College of Graduate and Professional Programs. Such members shall make up no more than one-third of the total committee membership. Graduate instructors may also be appointed to committees with the approval of the dean of the College of Graduate and Professional Programs, but only when their expertise clearly qualifies them; however, their appointment must be in addition to the required number of graduate faculty members. Thesis or Dissertation Continuance Graduate students are required to register for the minimum hours of thesis or dissertation credit required by their graduate program. Students must register for thesis or dissertation in the appropriate increments of credit hours during those semesters in which they are engaged in the research or in the writing of the thesis or dissertation. NOTE: The continuous enrollment course GRAD 597 cannot be used as a thesis or dissertation continence course. Thesis and Dissertation Grading No grades will be given for a thesis or dissertation until the thesis or dissertation has been completed and approved by the thesis/dissertation committee. The thesis or dissertation grade will then be recorded as either satisfactory or unsatisfactory. Doctoral Candidacy Request Doctoral students are admitted into candidacy for their graduate degree once they have completed all required course work and passed their comprehensive examination. Once students have reached this point, they must complete the Request for Doctoral Candidacy form. This form can also be obtained from the College of Graduate and Professional Programs office. The Request for Doctoral Candidacy form must be signed by the student, his or her adviser or graduate program coordinator, and the dean of the College of Graduate and Professional Programs. Students are then permitted to advance to completion of their dissertation and graduation. Note: Students who wish to become candidates for doctoral degrees may do so only after completing all the conditions, such as provisional admission, of the original admission into the individual s degree program. General Appeal Process Evaluation of a graduate student s progress is primarily dependent on the judgments of appropriate faculty members of the student s graduate program. The university, through the College of Graduate and Professional Programs, can define minimal entrance standards and can prescribe general rules governing eligibility for continuation. However, the crucial agency in graduate student evaluation is the graduate program in which the student s work is focused. Principal evaluators must be faculty members of the student s graduate program. It is assumed that most disputes over unsatisfactory progress will be informally discussed and reconciled at the program or academic unit level. Most discussions of this type will commonly occur among the student, major professor and other faculty members in the graduate program. Grade Appeal Procedures Evaluation of student work and assignment of grades on the basis of academic criteria are the responsibilities and prerogative of the faculty. The university and its faculty members also recognize that grading can be a subjective process and students may feel their grade has been inappropriately assigned. If such disagreements occur, students have a right to be fairly heard. There are two types of appeal procedures related to grading. Grade Change Appeal Procedure The only basis for a grade change appeal is an error in grade assignment or calculation. If a student believes that a grade was assigned in error because of a mistake in calculation or an error in recording, to resolve the discrepancy, the student should consult the professor(s) involved before the Friday of the second full week of classes in the regular semester following the semester of the contested grade. Requests for review of spring semester or summer session grades must be initiated no later than the Monday of the third full week of classes in the subsequent fall semester. If the professor agrees that a change should be made, the professor should submit a Grade Change form and forward it to the academic unit head or graduate coordinator for signature. A copy will be forwarded to the dean of the College of Graduate and Professional Programs. (7 of 14) [7/16/2008 1:13:05 PM]

10 JMU - General Regulations Grade Review Appeal Procedure If a student disputes a grade for any other reason than error in grade assignment or calculation, the student can initiate a formal grade review appeal. To activate the grade review appeal process, the student must follow these steps. 1. The student submits a Grade Review Form to the appropriate professor by Monday of the third full week of classes in the regular semester that follows the semester for which the contested grade was given. The student must attach a written explanation of reasons for the appeal, including any documentation relating to the disputed grade. Requests for review of spring semester or summer session grades must be initiated no later than the Monday of the third full week of classes in the subsequent fall semester. 2. The student meets with the course instructor by Friday of the third full week of classes to attempt to resolve the concern. If the student and the course instructor reach an agreement that the grade should be changed, the course instructor changes the grade by submitting a Grade Change form to the appropriate academic unit head or graduate coordinator for that individual s signature. A copy of this signed Grade Change form will be forwarded to the dean of the College of Graduate and Professional Programs. For graduate students whose grade of C, U or F is to be changed, notice of the grade change must be sent to the College of Graduate and Professional Programs before that change occurs. If no resolution is reached, the instructor signs the Grade Review form and records a written response on the reverse side of the form. The instructor returns the original copy of this form to the student, retains a copy of the form for his or her personal records and forwards a copy to the relevant academic unit head or graduate coordinator by Friday of the fourth full week of classes. 3. The student must contact the relevant academic unit head or graduate coordinator by the Friday of the fifth full week of classes in order to request review of statement and response. 4. The academic unit head or graduate coordinator meets with the student and confers with the relevant course instructor. The academic unit head or graduate coordinator signs the Grade Review form and records a written response on the reverse side of the form by Friday of the seventh full week of classes. The student receives the original copy of this form. The relevant course instructor receives a copy of the form and the sender retains a copy of the form. If all involved parties agree that the grade should be changed, the course instructor submits a Grade Change form to the academic unit head or graduate coordinator and the appropriate individual signs the form. A copy of the form will be forwarded to the dean of the College of Graduate and Professional Programs. Notice of the grade change must also be sent to the College of Graduate and Professional Programs before the grade change occurs for graduate students who have a grade of C, U or F changed to some other grade. After the review process outlined above has been completed, a student can also request that the form, documentation and responses be reviewed by the dean of the college in which the course was taught. The college dean s responsibility is only to ascertain whether all parties have had an opportunity to present all relevant facts and have received a fair and impartial hearing at each level. To enter this phase of the process, a student must follow this procedure. 1. The student contacts the dean by Friday of the eighth full week of classes and requests that the dean review the overall process. 2. The dean of the relevant college reviews the process to be sure the student and the faculty member have had a fair hearing. If the relevant college dean believes that due process was not followed during the review process, he or she consults with the relevant professor and academic unit head or graduate coordinator to resolve the dispute. 3. The dean sends a written response to all involved parties by Friday of the 10th full week of classes. This written response is appended to the Grade Review form. The dean returns the original copy to the student, retains a copy and sends a copy to the relevant academic unit head or graduate coordinator and the relevant instructor. If it is agreed that the student s grade should be changed, the relevant course instructor submits a Grade Change form to the academic unit head or graduate coordinator. The recipient then signs the form and forwards a copy to the dean. Notice of the grade change (8 of 14) [7/16/2008 1:13:05 PM]

11 JMU - General Regulations must also be sent to the College of Graduate and Professional Programs before the grade change occurs for graduate students who have a grade of C, U or F changed to some other grade. There is no further review beyond the dean of the relevant college. The entire process will not extend past the end of the semester following the contested grade with the exception of grades given for summer session courses. Reinstatement Policy Graduate students dismissed for academic reasons are never automatically reinstated. Students are suspended until reinstated by a decision of the dean of the College of Graduate and Professional Programs. Reinstatement will only be made on the recommendation of the academic unit graduate appeals committee and the academic unit head. Suspension appeals will be heard promptly. Students may not enroll in any graduate-level courses while on academic suspension. Grading System Letter Grade Description Numerical Value A Excellent 4.0 A- 3.7 B+ Very Good 3.3 B Good 3.0 B- 2.7 C Poor 2.0 F Failure 0.0 I Incomplete W Withdrawal WP Withdrawal while passing WF Withdrawal while failing S/U Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory [Thesis/dissertation and selected other courses. See course descriptions.] NP Not Processed NC No Credit A grade point average is calculated by dividing the accumulated number of grade points earned by the accumulated number of credit hours attempted. All graduate credits attempted and all graduate grades earned, whether passing or failing, will be used to calculate a student s grade point average. The student s grade point average appears on his or her transcript. Students must take all courses on a letter grade ( A-F ) or satisfactory/ unsatisfactory (S/U) basis, based on how the particular course was approved. Students do not have flexibility in choosing a grading option. A grade of W will be assigned to students who withdraw from a course after the add/drop deadline but before the end of the course adjustment deadline. A grade of WP or WF (according to the status of the student at the time of withdrawal) will be assigned to students who withdraw after the course adjustment deadline at the discretion of the instructor. The WP or WF will be recorded and remain on the student s transcript. A grade of NP (not processed) will be assigned to students registered for dissertation or thesis work until their dissertation or thesis is complete. At that time, the grade will be changed to S or U for the required six hours of credit. A grade of NC (no credit) will be assigned to students registering for comprehensive, dissertation or thesis continuance. In order to graduate, students must satisfy grade requirements specified by their individual academic program. Auditing Graduate Courses Graduate students may enroll in graduate courses using the audit option for elective courses only. These courses will not count as part of the student s program of study. Students must initially (9 of 14) [7/16/2008 1:13:05 PM]

12 JMU - General Regulations register for the course using the audit option. Under no circumstances may a course credit option be changed from audit to credit or credit to audit. Students are required to pay for courses taken as audit credit. Audit courses cannot be paid for using any university sources of funding, e.g. assistantship funding. Incomplete Grades The grade of I is used to indicate incomplete work in a course. Courses in which a student received a grade of I must be completed by the end of the next regular semester, or the grade is reported permanently as an F. Students should consult academic unit guidelines regarding such courses. It is the responsibility of the student to ensure grade changes are reported to the Office of the Registrar by the deadline. See the university calendar at the front of this catalog for the date by which grade changes must be submitted. All course work must be completed by the final date of the student s final semester. Students failing to meet the deadline will not graduate and will have their degrees dated the following semester. Consult the university calendar in the Registration and Student Record Services Handbook, online at or in the front of this catalog for dates. Unsatisfactory Progress If, at any time, a graduate student fails to make satisfactory progress toward the degree, the student may be denied permission to continue in the program. Such a decision may be reached by the student s major adviser, academic unit head, or graduate program coordinator and will be referred to the dean of the College of Graduate and Professional Programs for final action. A student will be dismissed from the degree program or provisional status will be revoked if the student receives an F or U in any graduate course or a total of three C grades in his or her graduate program. Unless there are extraordinary circumstances, a student dismissed from the degree program may not enroll in any graduate-level courses for a period of one year. Students who want to return to the university must re-apply and be re-accepted in the usual manner. (See Reapplication.) A graduate student will receive a notice of academic warning upon receiving a grade of C in any two graduate courses or if the student s grade point average falls below 3.0. This academic warning will be noted on the student s transcript. All credits attempted and all grades earned, whether passing or failing, will be used to calculate a student s grade point average. In some cases, graduate students may take undergraduate courses as part of their program of graduate study. The GPA includes undergraduate courses taken during graduate study. However, if an undergraduate course places a student s GPA below 3.0, it will not place the student on probationary status or prevent the student from graduating. Graduation The office of the dean of the College of Graduate and Professional Programs, assisted by the Graduate Council and the graduate faculty, have responsibility for final approval of graduate degrees to be awarded. It is the responsibility of each student to ensure that courses selected are acceptable to the program being pursued. A student cannot graduate with a GPA below 3.0. Graduate Degree Completion Requirements The College of Graduate and Professional Programs mandates the following general degree completion requirements in order for students to receive their graduate degrees. Each graduate student must: Complete a written graduate plan of study by the end of the student s first semester and submit it to the College of Graduate and Professional Programs. NOTE: At least one-half of the courses in the student s required plan of study must be at the 600 course level or above. Be continuously enrolled in the graduate program from admission to graduation (unless specifically exempt). Have satisfied any conditions of his or her admission, such as provisional or conditional admission. Complete the graduate program with an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher. Be enrolled during the semester in which he or she plans to graduate. Complete all requirements of the graduate program and College of Graduate and (10 of 14) [7/16/2008 1:13:05 PM]

13 JMU - General Regulations Professional Programs within six calendar years (Masters and education specialist degrees) or eight years (doctoral degrees). Successfully achieve doctoral candidacy (doctoral students only). Successfully complete a comprehensive examination or equivalent as determined by the individual graduate program. NOTE: The graduate program must notify the College of Graduate and Professional Programs that the student has successfully completed the comprehensive examination. Submit a thesis, dissertation or research project, if required by the academic program, to the College of Graduate and Professional Programs that meets the format requirements set forth in the College of Graduate and Professional Programs Thesis/Dissertation Manual. Complete the minimum period of residency established by their program. NOTE: While the traditional period of required residency is optimal, the technological revolution that facilitates distance learning of all varieties may not allow for the traditional approach to residency. Accordingly, all students are strongly encouraged to take advantage of all available avenues of learning, including accessing the JMU faculty, staff and other students, as well as our library, laboratories and other facilities that nurture the academic experience. In addition to meeting the general completion requirements set forth by the College of Graduate and Professional Programs, each student must meet the graduation requirements of the individual graduate program. Application for a Graduate Degree In order to graduate, students must complete the Application for Graduate Degree form available online at or from the College of Graduate and Professional Programs. Students are responsible for notifying both their major academic unit and the College of Graduate and Professional Programs when they plan to graduate. Students are also responsible for consulting their advisers or the College of Graduate and Professional Programs office regarding deadlines for graduation. The Application for Graduate Degree form must be approved by major and minor (if applicable) adviser(s) and the major academic unit head or graduate program coordinator. Students are responsible for obtaining all necessary signatures to complete the Application for Graduate Degree form. Note: Students must complete all the conditions of the original admission in their degree program, e.g. conditional admission, before they can be permitted to graduate. Only six credit hours of 501workshop courses approved for inclusion in a graduate program may be applied toward a degree. If students plan to use transfer credits to fulfill degree requirements, these credits, along with official transcripts showing the credits and the transfer of credit form, must appear on the Application for a Graduate Degree form and be forwarded to the College of Graduate and Professional Programs. Requirements for Graduation Semester Registration All graduate students are required to be enrolled during the semester they receive their degree. If students are not enrolled in regular course work, they must enroll for either comprehensive, thesis or dissertation continuance, or directed research, whichever is appropriate. NOTE: The continuous enrollment course GRAD 597 cannot be used during the graduation semester. Attendance at Commencement Students are expected to attend graduation exercises. A student unable to be present for the graduation exercises must notify the Office of the Registrar at least 10 working days before commencement. Honor System The academic program at JMU operates under an Honor System that dates back to Students adopted the Honor System in order to uphold individual and community integrity. Each student is expected to observe complete honesty in all academic matters and to report instances where another student has violated the Honor System. A student Honor Council administers the Honor System, and every student who matriculates at the university, whether graduate or undergraduate, becomes a member of the Honor System. The university expects the cooperation of faculty members and administrators in upholding this Honor System. The Student Handbook provides full (11 of 14) [7/16/2008 1:13:05 PM]

14 JMU - General Regulations information on the Honor System, and the Honor Council office provides students with assistance in understanding Honor System policy. The Honor Council encourages all members of the JMU community to familiarize themselves with the Honor Code and Honor System procedures. The Honor Council office is located at Chandler Hall, Room 133. The Honor Council maintains a Web site at Off-Campus Courses Off-campus courses are occasionally offered to part-time students enrolled in a graduate program but who are not in residence on the JMU campus. Credit for such courses may be allowed toward the graduate degree provided the course is taught by a member of the graduate faculty of the institution, and the course has the prior approval of the student s adviser and the dean of the College of Graduate and Professional Programs. Only six hours of 501 workshop courses may be applied to a degree program. Permission to Take a Course at Another University After Enrollment Students enrolled in a graduate program may take graduate courses at another accredited institution with prior approval from their adviser, academic unit head, graduate coordinator, and the dean of the College of Graduate and Professional Programs. Forms are available at the College of Graduate and Professional Programs office or online at for use in obtaining prior approval of transfer credit hours. It is the student s responsibility to request transfer credit for such courses upon completion and to have official transcripts submitted to the College of Graduate and Professional Programs office. Students who take their last courses to fulfill their programs of study at institutions other than JMU cannot graduate during that semester unless the official transcript for the requested transfer course (s) is received in the College of Graduate and Professional Programs office prior to the last day of the semester graduation is requested. Otherwise, they must wait until the following semester to graduate. Students must be enrolled at JMU during the semester they graduate. Correspondence Study No credit toward the graduate degree will be allowed for courses taken by correspondence study. Office of the Registrar The Office of the Registrar is responsible for the following activities. Add and drop registration procedures Athletic certification Class schedule preparation Commencement activities Diploma issuance Enrollment verifications Student records Transfer credit evaluation Transcript issuance The Office of the Registrar & Registration Services is located in Warren Hall, Room 302. For information regarding veterans affairs and graduation, students should contact Student Record Services on the third floor of Warren Hall or call the Office of the Registrar at (540) Teaching Licenses Some candidates in programs leading to the Master of Arts in Teaching, Master of Science in Education or Master of Education degrees do not hold the Collegiate Professional License. These candidates must meet requirements for admission and retention in the JMU Teacher Education Program and should contact the Education Support Center, Maury Hall, Room 110, or their education adviser immediately upon acceptance into their program of study. The requirements for licensure must be met before the degree is conferred. This requirement may be waived by the dean of the College of Graduate and Professional Programs in exceptional cases, upon the petition of the graduate program coordinator. As a general rule, however, students with a minor in higher education are not required to hold the Collegiate Professional License. Refer to the Education (12 of 14) [7/16/2008 1:13:05 PM]

15 JMU - General Regulations Programs section for additional information. Thesis Requirements Refer to Dissertation and Thesis Research. University Residency Requirements Graduate students must register a local address with the College of Graduate and Professional Programs office prior to initial registration for classes. All changes in local address must be registered with the Office of the Registrar. This can be done through e-campus, online at All graduate students must complete the minimum period of residency established by their program. While the traditional period of required residency is optimal, the technological revolution that facilitates distance learning of all varieties may not allow for the traditional approach to residency. Accordingly, all students are strongly encouraged to take advantage of all available avenues of learning, including accessing the JMU faculty, staff and other students, as well as our library, laboratories and other facilities that nurture the academic experience. Withdrawal Withdrawal from Courses A student may drop a course without special permission through the time period designated as the add/drop period. A student may withdraw from a course without special permission through the time period designated as the course adjustment period. Refer to e-campus at jmu.edu/ for exact dates. Students will not be permitted to withdraw from a course after the course withdrawal deadline. Students are responsible for knowing their course schedules and for making any desired course adjustments by the published withdrawal deadlines. After the course withdrawal deadline, a grade other than a W must be issued for the course in question. Withdrawal from a Graduate Program Graduate students wishing to withdraw from their graduate program must do so by completing a Withdrawal Request form. Graduate students withdraw from their programs when they terminate enrollment before completing a regular semester or summer session for which they have enrolled. A student may withdraw from all courses during the course adjustment period without special permission, by completing a withdrawal request form available from the JMU Ombudsperson, Huffman A101. The Ombudsman will review request, determine withdrawal approval, set the official withdrawal date and notify other university officials of the action. A student who voluntarily withdraws from his or her graduate program without receiving official approval will receive a grade of F for all courses in which he or she is enrolled. A student voluntarily withdrawing with official approval will receive a grade of W, WP or WF in all courses. A grade of W will be assigned to students who withdraw from a course after the add/ drop deadline but before the end of the course adjustment deadline. A grade of WP or WF (according to the status of the student at the time of withdrawal) will be assigned to students who withdraw after the course adjustment deadline at the discretion of the instructor. It may also be necessary for a graduate student to withdraw due to extenuating circumstances. Withdrawal for extenuating circumstances must be approved by the student s graduate coordinator and the dean of the College of Graduate and Professional Programs. A student who withdraws because of extenuating circumstances will also receive a grade of W, WP or WF in all courses. Students who withdraw from their graduate program will be responsible for tuition as determined by the Office of the Registrar and may be subject to a change in their financial aid status. Confidentiality of Education Records The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 James Madison University adheres to and annually informs students of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, as amended. This act, with which the institution intends to fully comply, was designated to protect the privacy of educational records. Under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) students have certain rights with respect to their education records. (13 of 14) [7/16/2008 1:13:05 PM]

16 JMU - General Regulations These rights include: The right to inspect and review the student s education records within 45 days of the day the University receives a request for access. Students should submit to the registrar, dean, head of the academic unit, or other appropriate official, written requests that identify the record(s) they wish to inspect. The University official will make arrangements for access and notify the student of the time and place where the records may be inspected. If the records are not maintained by the University official to whom the request was submitted, that official shall advise the student of the correct official to whom the request should be addressed. The right to request the amendment of the student s education records that the student believes are inaccurate or misleading. Students may ask the University to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate or misleading. They should write the University official responsible for the record, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading. If the University decides not to amend the record as requested by the student, the University will notify the student of the decision and advise the student of his or her right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the student when notified of the right to a hearing. The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. One exception which permits disclosure without consent is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by the University in an administrative, supervisory, academic or research, or support staff position (including law enforcement unit personnel and health staff); a person or company with whom the University has contracted (such as an attorney, auditor, or collection agent); a person serving on the Board of Trustees; or a student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks. A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility. Upon request, the University may disclose education records without consent to officials of another school in which a student seeks or intends to enroll. The following is considered Directory Information at James Madison University and may be made available to the general public unless the student notifies the Office of the Registrar in person or in writing within five days after the first day of class registration: Student s name, telephone numbers, addresses, date and place of birth, major and minor fields of study (if applicable), college of major and year (freshman, sophomore, etc.), dates of attendance, degree sought and time, degrees conferred, awards and honors conferred, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, the most recent previous educational agency or institution attended by the student, fraternity and/or sorority and educational societies. Beginning in the fall semester of 2001, full-time/part-time status is directory information. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by James Madison University to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the office that administers FERPA is: Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, DC For more detailed information concerning JMU s records policy see James Madison University, Policies and Procedures, Policy 3102, The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act. PUBLISHER: CGOP, MSC 6702, Harrisonburg, VA PHONE: (540) FAX: (540) FOR INFORMATION CONTACT: CGOP - Privacy Statement Last Modified: 11/12/ (14 of 14) [7/16/2008 1:13:05 PM]

17 JMU - Admission CGOP Main Page Graduate Catalog Home General Information - Admission - Admission Chart - General Regulations - Fees and Expenses - Financial Assistance - University Services - JMU Libraries - Center for Assessment and Research Accounting Adult Education/Human Resource Development Art & Art History Assessment and Measurement Doctoral Program Biology Business Administration Combined-Integrated Doctoral Program Communication Sciences & Disorders Computer Science Education English Health Sciences History Integrated Science and Technology Kinesiology and Recreation Studies Music Nursing Occupational Therapy Admission to Graduate Programs Admission Requirements Application Deadlines International Student Applications Reserve Graduate Credit Offer of Admission to the College of Graduate and Professional Programs Admissions Classifications Change of Program Continuous Enrollment Reapplication Time Limitations Professional Programs Admission of Veterans Foreign Language Admission Requirements All applicants to individual graduate programs at JMU must first satisfy the general application requirements of the College of Graduate and Professional Programs. These are: Graduation from a regionally accredited college or university. Satisfactory grade point average. Satisfactory test scores from an appropriate, national standardized test, such as the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or Miller Analogy Test (MAT). Consult the individual programs for specific entry test requirements. Official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended. Once these requirements are met, each student s application materials are then sent to the individual graduate program. An application is not considered complete until all required credentials and supporting documents have been received by the College of Graduate and Professional Programs. Prospective students are strongly encouraged to submit their applications online. Students should be aware that applications submitted through the mail may take longer to process. Applications that are not completed within 90 days of initial receipt will not be processed. Additional application materials may be required by individual graduate programs. In accordance with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools guidelines, graduate programs must establish both qualitative and quantitative requirements that result in the admission of students whose educational preparation indicates the potential for a high level of performance. Admission procedures include the requirement that an applicant submit, as part of the formal application process, evaluations by professionals in the field as to the readiness of an applicant for graduate work, and, if appropriate, credential evaluations. Standardized test admission criteria for each graduate program are established by the faculty responsible for instruction in that program. Contact the program directly or see the Web site for specific requirements. General Application Procedures While there are two methods for applying to graduate study at James Madison University, prospective students are strongly encouraged to submit their applications online through the College of Graduate and Professional Programs Web site at (1 of 7) [7/16/2008 1:10:48 PM]

18 JMU - Admission Physican Assistant Psychology Graduate Programs Public Administration Public Health Special Education Technical and Scientific Communication Alternatively, students may download the application form from the College of Graduate and Professional Programs Web site at or acquire an application at the office and submit the application by mail. JMU does not allow students to apply to more than one graduate program per application form. Information regarding financial aid may be accessed online at shtml or Class schedules are available online at registrar. The current graduate catalog may be purchased from the JMU Bookstore in Warren Hall, or accessed online through the College of Graduate and Professional Programs Web site at jmu.edu/cgop/gradcatalog/04. Submitting Applications Online Online submission of applications is preferred by the College of Graduate and Professional Programs. Apply online through the CGOP Web site at The following information must be submitted online: Official graduate application form $55 nonrefundable fee1 1 Graduate applications will not be processed without application fees. Application fees cannot be waived. Payment must be made online: The JMU College of Graduate and Professional Programs will not accept paper checks with applications submitted online. The following information should be mailed to the College of Graduate and Professional Programs: Official transcripts sent directly from all previously attended institutions. The official standardized tests scores (GRE, GMAT, etc.), sent directly from the testing center. Transcripts and test scores should be mailed to: College of Graduate and Professional Programs, MSC 6702 James Madison University Harrisonburg, VA All program-specific requirements should be mailed in a separate envelope directly to the graduate program to which application is being made. The envelope containing these additional materials should be clearly marked Graduate Application Materials. Many graduate programs have specific deadlines for application review: Consult the specific academic program. Submitting Applications through the Mail To expedite processing of mail-in applications, the following materials should be submitted (preferably in one large envelope) from the applicant directly to the College of Graduate and Professional Programs: Official graduate application form $55 nonrefundable fee1 Official transcripts sent directly from all previously attended institutions2 1 Graduate applications will not be processed without application fees. Application fees cannot be waived. 2 Official transcripts may be submitted separately from the application and fee; however, to ensure faster processing, all required materials should be submitted in one envelope. The official standardized tests scores (GRE, GMAT, etc.) must be sent directly from the testing center. Applications should be mailed to: College of Graduate and Professional Programs, MSC 6702 James Madison University Harrisonburg, VA All program-specific requirements should be mailed in a separate envelope directly to the graduate program to which application is being made. The envelope containing these additional materials should be clearly marked Graduate Application Materials. Many graduate programs have specific deadlines for application review: Consult the specific academic program. Application Deadlines The College of Graduate and Professional Programs has a rolling admission policy. However, individual graduate programs may have different deadlines. Refer to specific academic programs for details. If no deadlines are given by academic units, applications should be submitted by the (2 of 7) [7/16/2008 1:10:48 PM]

19 JMU - Admission following dates for the best opportunity of admission. Summer session April 1 Spring semester November 1 Fall semester July 1 International Student Applications JMU encourages applications for graduate study from qualified international students. In order for the university to qualify with the U.S. government as an educational institution for international students, certain criteria must be met. All initial inquiries for international admissions must be conducted through the College of Graduate and Professional Programs. Correspondence with particular departments or program coordinators is strongly discouraged. Applicants residing outside the United States must allow 12 months between application for admission and the requested enrollment semester. In addition to the general application requirements of the College of Graduate and Professional Programs, all international students applying for admission to a graduate program must: Have the necessary ability and educational background to benefit from experiences in this institution. Demonstrate proficiency in English sufficient to carry a full program of graduate study through submission of a satisfactory score on the Test of English as a Foreign Language TOEFL). Examples of acceptable scores include 570 on the paper-based version and 230 on the computerbased version. For more information, visit Have all funds necessary for expenses during the entire period of the student s stay without resorting to employment while in the United States. A form for this purpose is accessible at: Although the university has no financial assistance reserved exclusively for international students, after being enrolled for at least one full semester international students are permitted to compete for financial aid with other graduate students. Have official transcripts sent directly to the College of Graduate and Professional Programs from the accredited institution granting the baccalaureate degree. An external evaluation of the academic record must be submitted to ensure that it is comparable to a U.S. baccalaureate degree. External evaluators are listed online at: international.shtml. Submit an application and $55 nonrefundable application fee (in U.S. dollars) six months in advance of the intended term of entry if transferring from another college or university in the United States or after completing a baccalaureate degree in a U.S. institution. If in the United States attending or having completed a degree from a U.S. college or university, an International Student Adviser Form must be completed by that institution and submitted with the application. Students should request the form from Dr. Elizabeth T. Puckett. Enter the United States on a valid student or other visa. For further information regarding international student applications, contact: Dr. Elizabeth T. Puckett, Director International Graduate Admissions, College of Graduate and Professional Programs, MSC 6702 James Madison University Harrisonburg, VA (540) pucketet@jmu.edu Requests for information concerning federal regulations, visa and health should be directed to: Director, Office of International Student and Faculty Programs, MSC 8003 James Madison University Harrisonburg, VA Reserve Graduate Credit During their senior year at James Madison University, undergraduate students who have been (3 of 7) [7/16/2008 1:10:48 PM]

20 JMU - Admission admitted into a JMU graduate program may take up to nine hours of graduate course work for reserve graduate credit. Graduate credit earned prior to completion of an undergraduate degree is held in reserve to be applied later toward the graduate degree. These graduate credits cannot be used as part of the student s undergraduate degree. Written permission to seek reserve graduate credit must be obtained from the dean of the College of Graduate and Professional Programs prior to enrollment in the graduate courses. Forms are available in the College of Graduate and Professional Programs office or online at edu/cgop. It is the student s responsibility to obtain all required signatures. Students enrolled in fiveyear programs must abide by the policies governing reserve graduate credit. Approval for reserve graduate credit applies only to graduate work at James Madison University. Offer of Admission to the College of Graduate and Professional Programs The dean of the College of Graduate and Professional Programs will send official written offers of admission to applicants who have been accepted. This letter specifies the effective date of admission (which normally coincides with the semester requested on the application), the classification of admission being offered (conditional or unconditional) and the name of the faculty adviser assigned to the applicant. After being accepted into a graduate program, students can defer enrollment only with the written approval of the graduate coordinator of their academic program and the dean of the College of Graduate and Professional Programs. In no circumstances may the deferral be for more than one calendar year. The applicant must send a written acceptance or rejection of the admission offer to the College of Graduate and Professional Programs as soon as a decision on acceptance is made, but no later than the deadline specified by the graduate program. Refer to individual graduate programs for deadline dates. This allows the specific program to invite other candidates. A student who enrolls at another institution is considered to have rejected the university s offer of admission. An applicant who has received an offer of admission but who has not responded by the deadline is considered to have rejected the university s offer of admission and must submit a new application and fee to be reconsidered for admission at a later date. Admissions Classifications Applicants may be admitted to the College of Graduate and Professional Programs under three classifications: unconditional, conditional or provisional admission. Unconditional Admission Unconditional admission is admission to a graduate program without reservation and indicates that applicants have met all the entry criteria of the College of Graduate and Professional Programs and the specific graduate programs. Conditional Admission Conditional admission indicates that applicants have met all the entry criteria of the College of Graduate and Professional Programs, but the graduate program has identified specific conditions that must be met before the applicant attains unconditional admission status. Provisions of conditional acceptance are usually determined at the programmatic level and can only be removed or modified at the same level. After the conditions have been addressed students may make a written request to their adviser, who decides if the conditions have been met. The adviser then contacts the dean of the College of Graduate and Professional Programs indicating the change of status. While students are encouraged to attain unconditional acceptance as soon as possible, some programmatic conditions often cannot be completed until just before graduation, e.g., teacher licensure and competency in a foreign language or languages. Master s and Educational Specialist students have a maximum of six years and doctoral students have a maximum of eight years to complete their programs. All students attain unconditional status prior to program completion. Provisional Admission Students who have not fully met the requirements of the program or department to which admission is sought may be granted admission under a provisional status as prospective candidates for a degree. Such students must have as their initial objective the removal of provisional conditions to achieve advancement to unconditional status. A student may be admitted to a graduate program under provisional status if (4 of 7) [7/16/2008 1:10:48 PM]